Though sunscreen is top of mind when the weather is warm, it’s not just for the summer months. “Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or more is one of the best ways to protect your skin from cancer as well as visible signs of premature aging, such as fine lines and discoloration, all year round,” says LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon.
The research and development team at La Roche-Posay is constantly innovating when it comes to effective yet gentle sunscreen formulas. With more than a dozen options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.
“There are many high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreens on the market today, but the best sunscreen is one you enjoy wearing and are willing to reapply throughout the day,” says LovelySkin Medical Director Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon.
Once you’ve found your favorite sunscreen, Drs. Joel and Daniel Schlessinger recommend reapplying it every forty to ninety minutes, but you should reapply sooner if you’re in the water or sweating heavily.
To ensure you’re adequately covered, they recommend using a half dollar-sized amount of sunscreen for your face, neck and chest, as well as one and a half ounces (enough to fill a shot glass) for your body.
Now, it’s time to find your best La Roche-Posay sunscreen match. Begin by clicking the type of sunscreen you’re most interested in below, and we’ll guide you through your options.
Sunscreen 101
Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays using mineral-based active ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Chemical sunscreens protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays with organic compounds such as homosalate, octocrylene, avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate and oxybenzone. You can read more about the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens here on the LovelySkin Blog.
SPF stands for “sun protection factor” and is the FDA’s current numerical rating to gauge how long your skin would take to get a sunburn with sunscreen versus without. SPF actually only applies to UVB rays, which you can read more about here.
Broad spectrum indicates that a sunscreen offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
La Roche-Posay sunscreens for your face
La Roche-Posay specializes in face sunscreens that combine high-quality sun protection with bonus benefits for your skin. Whether you want to boost hydration levels or camouflage imperfections, there's a La Roche-Posay face sunscreen here that will fit your needs.
At a glance: 5 face sunscreen favorites
| Product name | SPF | Type | Key benefit | Best for | Active ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid | 50 | Mineral | Matte finish, lightweight | All skin types, wearing under makeup | 6% titanium dioxide, 5% zinc oxide |
| Anthelios Tinted Mineral Light Fluid Sunscreen | 40 | Mineral | Subtle tinted coverage | Darker skin tones | 8% zinc oxide, 17% titanium dioxide |
| Anthelios UV Tone Daily Invisible Sunscreen | 50 | Chemical | Even skin tone | Dark spots, discoloration | 3% avobenzone, 7% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 7% octocrylene |
| Anthelios UV Clear Daily Invisible Sunscreen | 50 | Chemical | Acne control | Acne-prone, rosacea-prone skin | 3% avobenzone, 7% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 7% octocrylene |
| Anthelios UV Hydra Daily Invisible Sunscreen | 50 | Chemical | Daily hydration | Dehydrated skin | 3% avobenzone, 7% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 7% octocrylene |
For all-mineral protection with a matte finish: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50 has a feather-light fluid texture that dries to a matte finish, wearing well on its own or under makeup. Thanks to its super-slim packaging, you can easily slide it into a pocket or belt bag for easy reapplication throughout your day.
For subtle tinted coverage on darker skin tones: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 40 comes in three subtle tints for a smooth, natural-looking finish. "All-mineral sunscreen formulas have improved a lot in recent years, cutting down on the telltale white cast titanium dioxide and zinc oxide can leave on the skin, but it can still be noticeable on people with deeper skin tones," Dr. Joel Schlessinger says. "La Roche-Posay specifically created this formula with that in mind, and it is tinted to help counteract the white cast."
To help even out your skin tone: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Tone Daily Invisible Sunscreen SPF 50 features niacinamide to help reduce the appearance of discoloration while providing broad-spectrum protection. It has a lightweight texture that wears well under makeup, leaving your skin with a radiant finish. In a consumer self-assessment, 86% of users reported their skin tone appeared more even after using this sunscreen for four weeks.
For acne-prone or rosacea-prone skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Clear Daily Invisible Sunscreen SPF 50 offers the same sun protection as UV Tone (see above), but with azelaic acid, which has both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe active breakouts and prevent new ones from forming. It also helps reduce bacteria on the skin's surface, including H. pylori, a type of bacteria associated with rosacea.
For daily hydration: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Hydra Daily Invisible Sunscreen SPF 50 features the same SPF rating and active sunscreen ingredient profile as UV Tone and UV Clear (see above) with the addition of hyaluronic acid to help your skin maintain proper moisture levels. In one step, you can achieve plump, dewy and protected skin.
La Roche-Posay sunscreens for your face and body
At a glance: 5 face and body sunscreen favorites
| Product name | SPF | Type | Special features | Best for | Active ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk | 60 | Chemical | Fast-drying, velvety texture | Daily use, no white cast | 3% avobenzone, 10% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 7% octocrylene |
| Anthelios UV Pro-Sport Face & Body Sunscreen | 50 | Chemical | High-endurance formula | Athletes, outdoor sports | 3% avobenzone, 13% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 10% octocrylene |
| Anthelios Mineral Gentle Sunscreen Lotion | 50 | Chemical and mineral | All-mineral, gentle | Sensitive skin | 5% titanium dioxide, 15% zinc oxide |
| Anthelios 60 Cooling Water-Lotion Sunscreen | 60 | Chemical | Cooling on contact | Hot weather | 3% avobenzone, 10.72% homosalate, 3.21% octisalate, 6% octocrylene, 3.86% oxybenzone |
| Cicaplast Balm B5 Soothing Multi-Purpose Cream | 50 | Chemical and mineral | Healing properties | Very dry, cracked skin | 7% zinc oxide, 8% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 5% octocrylene |
A fast-drying all-over formula: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60 is a tried-and-true favorite among LovelySkin staff thanks to its velvety, quick-drying texture that melts into the skin with no trace of greasy residue or white cast.
MORE: This sunscreen also comes in a higher SPF version as well: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 100.
For athletes and sporty days: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Pro-Sport Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 50 is formulated for athletes who spend prolonged periods in the sun, particularly in high heat. It's sweat-resistant yet still breathable with a non-greasy feel that helps keep your skin comfortable while on the move.
MORE: You can read more about the benefits of UV Pro-Sport here on the LovelySkin Blog.
An all-mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Gentle Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is an all-mineral sunscreen that dries to a soft finish on the skin. "I have patients with very sensitive skin who can't tolerate chemical sunscreen ingredients," says LovelySkin Medical Director Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. "For them, I recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen like this one with either or both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which are 100% mineral sunscreen ingredients."
For cooling protection on hot days: On days when the weather is sweltering, it can be challenging to stay cool, whether you’re at work or play. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Cooling Water-Lotion Sunscreen SPF 60 features a water-to-lotion texture that immediately cools on contact, so your skin will feel refreshed with every reapplication. It offers eighty minutes of water resistance to keep you protected while swimming or boating.
For extremely dry, cracked skin: "If you're struggling with chafed, chapped or cracked skin, it may be in too sensitive a state to tolerate your usual sunscreen," Dr. Joel Schlessinger says. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Soothing Multi-Purpose Cream SPF 50 combines the healing benefits of La Roche-Posay's popular Cicaplast Balm with broad-spectrum sun protection. Shea butter, vitamin B5, dimethicone and madecassoside help repair cracked skin and guard against outside elements.
La Roche-Posay kids' sunscreen
If you want to invest in a single sunscreen for the whole family, including children six months or older, La Roche-Posay has you covered with Anthelios Kids Gentle Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50. Both pediatricians and dermatologists tested this sunscreen to ensure it’s gentle enough for children, including those with sensitive skin.
Thanks to a blend of 3% avobenzone, 13% homosalate, 5% octisalate and 10% octocrylene, this La Roche-Posay kids’ sunscreen provides long-lasting broad-spectrum sun protection and eighty minutes of water resistance for busy days outdoors with your family. It also has an easy-to-spread texture that dries quickly, so sand brushes easily off skin instead of sticking—a major score for beach days! What’s more, it also leaves no white cast.
Are you looking for more help with sunscreen shopping? We’ve got you covered with dermatologist-recommended recommendations for sunscreens that don’t leave a white cast, eye sunscreen, gel sunscreen, reef-safe sunscreen and more on the LovelySkin Blog.
About the Author
Aaron serves as Editor at LovelySkin. Since graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2016 with degrees in Creative Writing and English, he has immersed himself in the beauty industry. When he’s not writing about the latest beauty trends, he spends time cuddling his dogs, scouring antique stores, playing tennis and hiking.
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